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Traditional Banks Versus Microcredit Organizations, The Battle Is Coming

Microcredit organizations, like Grameen Bank, showed that rural poor people are worthy customers, too.  Now, traditional banks are beginning to fight back and use mobile technology to claim part of the rural developing world landscape.

Unfortunately, mobile technology is leveling the playing field in favor of big guys on Main Street.  The guys on "Dirt Path" will have to step it up and implement mobile technology.

In December, some pilots in mobile bank by Dirt Path will start in Uganda and Congo.  

Mobile banking holds the key to tap rural areas

New Delhi (PTI): With increasing cell phone penetration in the country, the mobile commerce space — comprising both banking services and payments — offers more opportunities for banks to reach out to the rural population.

"Mobile banking offers an opportunity for banks to reach out to the rural population and doing business in rural areas has become more viable," Divakar Goswami, who is an executive manager at global consultancy firm Deloitte Research told PTI.

According to him, in India, the penetration of mobiles is much higher as compared to that of banks, which makes the concept of mobile banking more viable.

In Kenya, DSTV Customers Pay Their Bill Via Their Mobile Phone

Africa is not all jungle and starving natives.  In Kenya, subscribers to a pay DSTV company can pay their bills through their mobile phone.

Internet via the mobile phone will propel development in Africa.  Mobile technology will surpass the internet boom. 

Multichoice, Zain in new bill payment deal

NAIROBI, Kenya Jul 29 - Mobile telephone operator Zain and pay TV Company Multichoice have entered into a partnership agreement that will see subscribers pay their DSTV bills through Zain’s money transfer service Zap.

Speaking during the launch, Zain Managing Director Rene Meza said the deal is geared towards passing the benefits of advanced technology, as well as the fast evolving world of mobile commerce, to the consumer.

“Our focus has been product innovation and development of competitive services by building up our Zap system,” he said.

Multichoice General Manager Stephen Isaboke lauded the new partnership saying subscribers will now be able to pay for their DSTV services at their convenience.

“Our customers will now conveniently pay for their DSTV services from the comfort of their mobile phones,” he said.